Source: Pistils Nursery
I became obsessed with the Staghorn fern below that Hilton Carter posted to his Instagram and started researching them. OK, I first became obsessed with Hilton Carter a plant lover who has an amazing new line at Target that I wrote about HERE. Back to the Staghorn, I started researching them and learned about a new growing technique called Kokedama.
Source: Hilton Carter
Kokedama is a Japanese word that literally means “moss ball” in English and it is a ball of soil, covered in moss in which an ornamental plant grows. Traditionally, kokedama are displayed on driftwood or in handmade pottery. This is a beautiful way to show off the beautiful moss vessel. Kokedama is also frequently displayed by hanging which creates a dramatic effect but also requires more drying time after watering since there is no vessel to catch remaining water.
Source: How We Montessori
I ordered my bird’s-nest kokedama from Pistils Nursery in Oregon but you may find them at a better price at your local nursery or even on Etsy. It is sitting in the McGee and Co. vessel that I shared HERE but ended painting with Rusto-oleum Chalked white matte paint because it was fairly yellow. Problem solved.
My kokedama arrived very dry but after a short soak is perked up and looks fantastic. It is the larger 6″ size and it really is a fun new way to plant.
I am definitely planning to make some after I see how this one looks and there are lots of kokedama kits that you can find both through Pistils Nursery as well as online at Amazon and Etsy. Check out this article HERE that includes pictures and directions for making your own kokedama. You can make a kokedama out of almost any plant but some of the most common ones that will thrive in bright, indirect indoor sunlight are:
- Bromeliads
- Philodendron
- Pothos
- Peace Lily
- Anthurium
- Dracaena
- Ferms (bird’s nest fern, foxtail fern, plumosa)
- Herbs
Making kokedama moss balls is a fun, family-friendly project that you can use to share your love of plants and let your kids have pride in caring for and watching their creation grown.
Source: Lowe’s
Kokedama requires watering about once per week and the best way to do this is:
- fill a bowl, sink, or tub with room-temperature water
- place your kokedama plant into the bowl to soak for 10-15 minutes
- remove and allow to drip dry for about 20 minutes before returning your kokedama to its home
Crisp dry leaves indicate underwatering and mushy, brown, or soggy leaves indicate overwatering so adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Most people tend to overwater.
What do you think? I have had mixed reactions with some people not seeing the beauty of the moss. Might be because they lived in Oregon for most of their life – haha. Here are some of the varieties available at Pistil’s Nursery for inspiration.